I have owned an M&P340 for a few years now. Got a great deal from a member. Anyway, I think a lot of people get the wrong idea concerning the recoil. The pistol is not bucking around uncontrollably during firing. They are actually more controllable than you might think. However, it does transmit a very noticeable slap to the palm of your hand which is not pleasant. Feels sort of like somebody is slapping the palm of your hand with a ruler. You are much more likely to have it with you though since it carries so easily. It is not a target pistol although it is more accurate than I expected it to be. It is quickly deployable and except for reloading (not a likely event anyway) all functions can be performed one handed. The chances are that if you ever need to use it your target is likely to be close enough or almost close enough to touch anyway.